Peters Bridge remained open this week despite earlier warnings of closure.

Trenport, the developer behind Peters Village, had been advised by its site contractor BAM Nuttall that Peters Bridge must close for eight days from Monday this week due to incorrect expansion joints having been fitted to both ends of the bridge roadway, deck and footpaths.

But the work has been postponed and will now start this coming Monday .

A Trenport spokesman said: “Expansion joints are designed to allow movement between sections of the bridge, due to traffic weight and temperature variations.

“There is absolutely no danger to the public from having the incorrect joints in place, but it could affect the long-term life of the bridge so, reluctantly, we have to allow BAM Nuttall to address the issue as quickly as possible.

“Trenport appreciates that closure of the bridge to all traffic - including walkers and cyclists - will cause delay and inconvenience to the many who have benefited from using this new Medway crossing. The confusion caused by BAM Nuttall’s revised start date is also disappointing.”